Thread by @CalibreObscura

[THREAD] on the weapons of a group you probably haven’t heard of- BRAS, otherwise known as Baloch Raaji Ajoi e Sangar, a coalition of 4 Baloch separatist armed groups fighting for against the Pakistani government in #Balochistan.

I'll use both brand new and older images.

1/

BRAS/Subgroups operate in a heavily mountainous region, with a very rugged landscape & limited vegetation- their operations appear to typically be IED attacks & ambushes at range. Arms sourcing appears to largely be from the Afghanistan conflict, as well as captured weapons.
2/

As benefits a group operating in the terrain of Balochistan, BRAS is armed with a much larger percentage of 7.62x54r PSL & SVD DMRs than most armed groups. These, in conjunction with large quantities of PK/M type MGs, can reach out further than the typical 7.62x39 AKM.
3/

As well as PSL, SVD, PK/M & T56/AKM, BRAS carries small amounts of FAL & G3 rifles, latter of which are likely to be captured from Pakistani forces. However, ammo standardisation seems to dictate 7.62x54r use - ammo is easily shared between MG/DMR & obtained from Afghanistan.
4/

Members of groups within BRAS have also been pictured with AK-74 rifles (Original and Darra-manufactured) and M4 platform carbines, although this is rather rare.
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In an great example of proliferation, BRAS forces (+subgroups, such as the BLA here) also carry M16A4, often with ACOG optics. These are extremely likely to be obtained from Afghanistan, where recent Taliban captures & corruption ensure a healthy black market.
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The M16 is often used by groups across the world as an improvised DMR- typically it is regarded as more accurate than the AK platform, and the long barrel and flat-shooting nature of 5.56x45, make it suitable. The flat-top A4 also allows for easy attachment of optics.
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BRAS is a very interesting coalition of groups, and really represent the environment in which they operate, and the local availability of arms. Recently, the clearly Afghan-origin M249 has appeared in the hands of the BLA too, as well as MG3, likely captured.
8/

Heavier weapons: BRAS forces have access to RPG-7/Type 67 launchers, & warheads both locally captured and obtained from Afghanistan- mostly OG-7V-type rounds, but the group also uses M203 & GP-25 UGL to provide added firepower to their fighters. Note Afghan-origin PSQ-18.
9/

Baloch separatist groups also have access to various recoilless rifles, although these aren’t often seen- here’s a Chinese Type 65, a copy of the Soviet B-10, ammo for these has been recovered by Pakistani forces.

HMG, such as this Chinese W85, are also used.

/10

Whilst not entirely standardised, Baloch separatist forces generally appear to have carefully selected the weapons mix in their units and prioritise ability to operate at med-long range, as well as carrying plenty of squad level firepower: GP-25, M203 and RPG-7.
11/

It’s also interesting to see how modern NATO platforms have now moved into the area- which is only likely to increase over time- although platforms such as the M24 SWS have not yet been seen in use. Also included are optics, APTIAL, etc. (Image below is BLA)

[12/END]

I am writing an article which will include much more detail, as well as exclusive images of arms in separatists hands- but that takes time and I thought I'd make a thread to keep you going..

cc @MENA_Conflict @oryxspioenkop @AbraxasSpa @Arslon_Xudosi